Study Shows Road Work In Area Of 56th Ave. May Cost $400,000

LAUDERHILL — Correcting traffic problems on Northwest 56th Avenue and surrounding roads could cost between $300,000 and $400,000, according to a preliminary study.

A year-long building moratorium on 56th Avenue area, which covers Lauderhill roads and property south of Oakland Park Boulevard and west of Florida`s Turnpike, was approved in November to allow time for the study.

The zone covers 686 acres, with enough room for an estimated 9,200 residents living in 4,195 homes and apartments. About one-fifth of the land is undeveloped.

``We`ve definitely got a problem out there and it`ll cost money,`` said city engineer Lou Martin. ``We`re not going to be able to pick up cars and move them through the air.``

The study verified that drivers use Northwest 55th and Northwest 56th Avenues as shortcuts to reach northwest Lauderhill and neighboring cities.

``We can`t make it a toll road,`` Mayor David Kaminsky said. ``Northwest 55th and 56th Avenues are used as a thoroughfare by people who don`t even live in this area.``